Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of fungicides and herbicides. It serves as a building block in organic reactions where the nitrile group can be transformed into other functional groups such as carboxylic acids, amines, or tetrazoles. Its aromatic structure with methyl substituents enhances stability and influences reactivity in electrophilic substitution processes. Also employed in the development of liquid crystals and specialty polymers due to its rigid molecular framework.